Write for the 2028–2030 40-mark paper
Practise the updated form, directed writing and extended choice using the 5+10+25 mark allocation and current task lengths.
Exam scope and assessment notes
All Arabic passages, prompts, recordings scripts, model answers and practice questions here are original StudyForA material, not Cambridge questions or audio. Reading and writing responses are self-checked against the lesson explanations, not Cambridge-marked. Speaking practice supports rehearsal and self-review; it cannot reproduce the supervised centre assessment, examiner interaction, moderation or official pronunciation/fluency marks. Listening uses browser speech synthesis where available; this is not Cambridge audio and accents, pace and pronunciation may differ. There is no complete timed specimen paper here. The broad topic areas and grammar groups are mapped, but the separate vocabulary list has not yet been reconciled word by word, and the grammar appendix still needs an item-by-item specialist cross-check. Confirm current syllabus, exam series and entry availability with your centre.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What is the 2028–2030 Paper 4 total?
What you will learn
- Complete a form with short, accurate contextual responses.
- Plan an 80–90-word directed response for task completion and language range/accuracy.
- Write a 130–140-word email/letter or article/blog that covers the full task.
- Use the new 2028–2030 allocation: 5 marks, 10 marks and 25 marks.
Use the updated weighting
From exams in 2028–2030, Paper 4 is one hour and 40 marks. Question 1 form filling is 5 marks. Question 2 is about 80–90 words and worth 10 marks, with task completion and range/accuracy each contributing 5. Question 3 is about 130–140 words, worth 25 marks, and offers a choice between an email/letter and article/blog.
Those totals differ from the 2025–2027 paper. Select the year route first, then practise the correct mark scheme and word counts.
Make each mark visible in your plan
For Question 2, create a quick checklist for all prompt points before writing; the new criteria divide attention between completion and accurate, varied language.
For Question 3, answer the full chosen prompt, use a clear format and develop relevant detail. A longer response cannot compensate for a missing task point.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What should come first in a longer writing answer?
Worked example
Prompt: write a short message to a friend about a new class, when it meets and what you need to bring. What should your plan include?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the new class.
- Record the meeting time.
- Include what to bring and use a suitable personal message format.
Answer Plan three direct points: the class name, day/time and required item. Then check that every point appears in the message and that the verb/time phrases are understandable.
From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Plan an 80–90-word Arabic directed response about a community activity. Include what it is, when it happens, who joins and what you enjoyed.
Give me a hint
Write four content bullets first, then add a reason and a natural link.
Compare my reasoning
- Mark the four required points.
- Choose a consistent time frame.
- Use a checklist for task completion and range/accuracy.
A complete plan names the activity, gives its time, identifies participants and explains what the writer enjoyed. Add one accurate reason and check the response is roughly 80–90 words. The official 2028–2030 Q2 marks are split equally between task completion and language range/accuracy.
Look for these in your work
- Covers all four content points
- Plans a consistent time frame
- Uses the correct 10-mark criteria
Write a 130–140-word article/blog or email/letter about a useful school service. Explain what it does, who uses it, one improvement and why it matters.
Give me a hint
Choose the audience first, then develop each required point with a detail.
Compare my reasoning
- Select the format that best suits the prompt.
- Answer all four content points.
- Check word count and revise one sentence for clarity and agreement.
A complete response explains the service, its users, a realistic improvement and the reason that improvement matters. It uses a greeting or article-style opening consistently, develops the details and stays near the requested length. This self-review does not produce an official Cambridge mark.
Look for these in your work
- Uses a consistent format
- Addresses each requested point
- Gives a reasoned improvement
You have five minutes left. Your draft is 120 words and one required point is missing. What revision has the highest priority?
Give me a hint
Task completion comes before adding decorative language.
Compare my reasoning
- Compare the prompt with the current draft.
- Add the missing point in one relevant sentence.
- Check that the added sentence fits grammar and format.
Add the missing required point in a concise, relevant sentence, then check the link and word count. Do not spend the remaining time adding unrelated description while the task is incomplete.
Look for these in your work
- Prioritises task completion
- Adds relevant content
- Checks the final response
Common mistakes
- Applying 2025–2027 marks to a 2028 exam
- Adding advanced vocabulary while leaving task points unanswered
- Confusing the article/blog and email/letter audience
What can you explain now?
How many marks is Question 2 from 2028?
Compare with the explanation
10 marks
The new allocation divides five marks each between task completion and range/accuracy.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Before moving on, explain in one sentence: complete a form with short, accurate contextual responses.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.